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A Beginner’s Guide to Helsinki

To be completely frank I was petrified that I would not like Finland and I wondered if I would like any of the things to do in Helsinki. I seem to gravitate toward Latin-based countries or those with an interesting indigenous story. I was worried Finland would feel cold and sterile like Austria. My only reference point has been Ikea – and oh wait Ikea is from Sweden and Finland is not technically part of Scandinavia because it is a different culture.

I blame my Finnish friend Petri, he warned me that Finns were not outgoing and probably would not talk to me. He also warned me that everything was so expensive and I could not find a beer under $10.

I adore Petri but he was oh so wrong.

I have only spent a few days in Helsinki but I already have a completely different perspective on Finland. After a quick bus ride from the airport to the city centre it appeared that the hotel was a bit difficult to find. Locals get an A+ for stopping to see if the tourist with the map, luggage and confused look knew where they were going.

So here is a beginner’s guide to Helsinki with all the things I wished people had told me.

The Capital of Finland

Helsinki is a grand city that is by far the largest urban center in the country. With Finland lying between Russia and Scandinavia, it is no surprise that this traditional trading city has elements of both cultures.

Helsinki is famous for the sophisticated and vibrant cultural and artistic scene and is one of the best cities in the world in terms of standard of living.

Under all the snow it remains a beautiful city. I have heard from many people that they believe beautiful design isn’t meant for special occasions or only for the rich. Everyone should be able to enjoy beautiful things every day. It really is wonderful to wander around and just people watch but it can be distracting as you are always looking up looking at the architecture. Fortunately Helsinki isn’t a dangerous city so I don’t have to watch out for being mugged.

Helsinki’s History

Having an idea about the city’s history will really help to animate the attractions for visitors. The city was established as a trading town by King Gustav, a Swedish king who wanted the town to rival the success of Tallinn in nearby Estonia. However, during the Russian occupation, after the Finnish War with Sweden, Helsinki was designated as the new Finnish capital.

Some of the leading Russian architects were brought in to add some grandeur and gravitas to the center of the city, and it has continued to grow and to develop throughout the years since. The Finnish Civil War in 1918 saw Finland change from a Grand Duchy of Russia to an independent state. Later on during the Winter War of 1939-1940, Helsinki was also bombed by the Soviet Union.

Helsinki’s Vibrant Culture

I have only encountered lovely, helpful people. Traveling on my own can be daunting but I have become a pro at sitting at a bar and talking to strangers. While checking out the microbrewery across the street from my hotel I met these lovely guys celebrating a friend’s birthday and a generous bartender who tried to teach me how to pronounce Finnish words.

An unexpected but memorable point was learning that one of my new friends was pagan as it was the religion of his ancestors the vikings, taught me all about the connection between paganism and nature and then with an amusing turn of events also shared that he loved MacGyver so much he had a tattoo. The best part was that he laughed along when I was laughing so hard I was crying.

If you want to see more formal culture explore the area to the west of the city center to find the Parliament House, Olympic Stadium and the dramatic Church in the Rock. The Church of Silence (photo above) in the Kamppi district is amazing to visit even if you aren’t religious.

As for the price, it is true this is not a bargain destination but it is nowhere near as expensive as London and frankly, it is much more interesting and the food so far has been much better. This has been a pleasant surprise, I am really looking forward to seeing the rest of Finland.

Disclosure: I was a guest of the Finnish Tourist Board as part of a Navigate Media Group project. They did not request that I write a favourable review or insist that I sit at a bar alone and start talking to strangers.

Comments

I had a chance to visit Helsinki last May as a trailing spouse when my husband was invited to speak at a scientific conference there. Like you, it was hard to know what to expect. We had a lovely time. In early June, it was not fully dark until midnight. Through a friend of a friend, I had a peek into a vibrant expat community. I had my first taste of reindeer and lingonberries. We celebrated our 30 th wedding anniversary there. I can’t say I saw that one coming—“I know, let’s spend our 30th wedding anniversary in Finland”, said no one I know—ever.

Glad that you liked it Ayngelina! I do feel like I sometimes give Finland a bit of a bad rep when I talk to foreigners about it. It’s not all bad, except the cold winters, and the darkness, and umm. Sorry, yeah, it can actually be pretty nice. And many Finns are actually really nice people, even if some of them are a bit shy.Jarmo recently posted…24 Hours in Madrid – Photo Essay

I love Marimekko! It was one of my favourite stores in Finland and when I got home and told my Aunt about it she was thrilled because it is one of her favourite design stores! Did you happen to go in?Chrystal McKay recently posted…Shanghai’s Redeeming Factor: The Noodle Lady

Very nice photos. The MacGyver one is up there with some of the most comical I’ve ever seen. But hey, to each his own. All the power to the guy for inking what makes him happy.Mike recently posted…Captured for the Camera in Beautiful Baños

You and I are SO alike! I’d pick traveling to a Latin destination over any other destination in the world. But, I’d still give Finland a try. Though it looks pretty cold!!!Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted…Cayman Islands: Day 2 (Part 1)

Finland is very different depending to which town or area you go. Helsinki is by far the most international, and it’s getting better and cooler every year. I love the summers in Helsinki, and in Finland in general. People sit, read and party in parks, on beaches, and many islands everywhere. Lots of gigs, parties and stuff happening all the time. All the hibernation and passive comatose atmosphere explodes into activity and action. Lost of underground parties going on in Alppipuisto and Suvilahti throughout the summer, and also several music festivals in Helsinki. For English-speakers Helsinki is really easy as all the youth and most middle-aged speak very good English, and are happy to speak and communicate with foreigners, especially after a few beers or glasses of wine. Helsinki is a great summer town. I totally recommend. During winter the only enjoyable place in Finland in my opinion is Lapland. All the silence, snow, and the empty sky is impressive there. If you have more time then the former Soviet towns Tallinn in Estonia and Vilnius in Lithuania are really awesome places, also much cheaper, poorer, historically and architecturally impressive. It’s also very cheap to get there from Helsinki, 20-70 euros to both.

The city looks pretty and I’m surprised to find out that it’s less expensive than London. Really? All I’ve heard about Finland is its incredibly high prices and the horrors that accompany any kind of monetary transaction. Teehee!

You opinion is just that what everyone everywhere thinks about finns.Almost allways those opinions are negative.I really dont know why and why peoples dont bother to clarify these prejudice?
And when someone does and find out whats the truth, guys like u pauline still dont believe about nothing positeve(really?) 🙂
No hard feelings but thats kind of approach makes me sad.Heres some fact to you.

The most expensive and
richest cities in the world
A report by UBS
15 September 2012: Oslo, Zurich and Tokyo are the most expensive cities in the most recent UBS survey.American cities have moved up the table mainly due to the rise of the US dollar compared to other currencies, in particular the euro. However, the measures taken by the US Federal Reserve in September 2012 may reverse the rise of US cities in the tables of most expensive cities.

No, no, that was not my intention at all. I believe what Ayngelina said. I was merely expressing my surprise on the fact that it’s not a very expensive city, after all. I guess emotions don’t come through very well over written words. Thanks for the clarification, though!Pauline recently posted…Ottawa: Where -30°C is Normal

So glad to hear you liked Helsinki! I don’t know much about the city or Finland but would visit based on this post. the MacGyver tattoo is a crack up!Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted…European Beer from Germany and Belgium

A few years ago, I unexpectedly spent a couple days in Helsinki–also in the cold. Loved it and loved wandering around looking at the architecture. However, I did, unfortunately, miss out on seeing any MacGyver tattoos.Margaret recently posted…What? You inspected my luggage again?

I don’t think I’d ever considered visiting Finland before but the sights now look absolutely gorgeous. You always make me want to go to places I’d never thought about before. Haha.Ceri recently posted…I Came to Mexico and Got Eye-Fucked by Diego Luna

I would really to visit Helsinki someday..<3<3 I’ve been waiting to hear about Finland,and its really interesting..
Cant wait..^^I am sure it would be beautiful.Maria J White recently posted…From Bacon, With Love

Sorry, but your comment about Helsinki being cheaper than London is way off base. I’m a resident of central London (and currently in Helsinki) and Helsinki is much more expensive and whilst it’s not as expensive as say Zurich, be prepared to shell out the cash when it comes to food, drink and hotels.

Absolutely my intention was not to say Helsinki is cheap, because it’s not. But as someone who is visited both cities as a tourist I found it to be cheaper. It sounds like the next time I visit London I need to get your recommendations.

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